Callum Robinson scored his first international goal in a year as Republic of Ireland ended 2022 with a narrow friendly victory in Malta. However, Ireland were fortunate to escape when the hosts got in behind Seamus Coleman and Oxford striker Jodi Jones found himself in space, but he could not beat Caoimhin Kelleher with his 12th-minute drive. Browne instinctively stabbed wide from Doherty’s ball across goal after McGrath had crossed from the left with the break fast approaching, but there was little cause for cheer as the whistle sounded. Inevitably, it was a mistake which ultimately sparked the breakthrough when Robinson ran on to Malta skipper Matthew Guillaumier’s woefully under-hit pass back and rounded keeper Henry Bonello before sliding the ball into the empty net. Bristol City midfielder Mark Sykes made a senior debut as a late substitute with Ireland pushing for a second, and they were unfortunate not to get it when substitute Callum O’Dowda’s late attempt came back off the post with Bonello helpless.

Source: The Herald November 21, 2022 04:07 UTC